This very interesting two-LP set has quite a variety of material from the 1936-42 period, including a few airchecks, small-group sessions led by
Mildred Bailey,
Harry James, Glenn Harriman and
Teddy Wilson (all feature
Basie sidemen), and some studio sessions by both
Basie's orchestra and small groups from his big band. Along with the rarities is the very first post-
Bennie Moten session, a quintet date (under the pseudonym of
Jones-Smith Incorporated) from 1936 that served as the recording debut of
Lester Young; "Lady Be Good" was one of his greatest solos. This two-LP set is highly recommended, if you can find it.